Guinea vote must be 'transparent': UN rights chief

The UN rights chief called Thursday on the authorities in Guinea to ensure this weekend's votes are transparent and inclusive, warning that any escalation in the country's crisis would be "profoundly harmful".

Guinea, a country with a long tradition of political turmoil, is to vote on Sunday in a referendum and in a legislative election.

The referendum on constitutional changes is seen by critics as a ploy by President Alpha Conde, 81, to stay in power for a third term, after a decade in power.

Months of protests against the referendum have resulted in "dozens of deaths," Michelle Bachelet told the UN Human Rights Council on Thursday.

"Reports also indicate that ethnic divisions are deepening, with increasing incitement to hatred and violence on social media and at political rallies," she said.

"Any further escalation of this crisis could be profoundly harmful."